REGIS LE BRIS insists Tommy Watson remains available for selection despite agreeing a move from Sunderland to Brighton, although the Black Cats boss is clearly disappointed that the teenage winger has turned down repeated offers of a new contract on Wearside.
Watson, a boyhood Sunderland fan who has spent more than a decade in the club’s academy, will join Brighton this summer in an £11m move, with Sunderland having publicly confirmed the transfer this week.
He will remain on Wearside until the end of the current campaign though, and will remain part of Le Bris’ plans for the remaining seven games of the season and a likely play-off campaign next month.
Sunderland’s head coach has spoken with Watson since news of his exit plans broke, and is confident the 18-year-old will continue to act in a professional manner even though his future lies at the Amex Stadium.
“If Tommy plays well, he will play,” said Le Bris, who is expected to continue to select Romaine Mundle ahead of the teenager, provided he remains fit. “Football is simple like this.
“You have contracts and sometimes the relationship is a little bit more transactional and you have to accept that. Some players are really well connected all the way, with the story, the club etc and some others are contracted, and they just play. The point is that those players can still be good players [for the team].
“I think Tommy will be involved because he is professional. The situation is not so unusual in football. You have to deal with these situations. The timing is a little bit weird, and I accept that, but we want to push on until the end of the season.”
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Nevertheless, Le Bris is clearly disappointed that Sunderland will be losing one of their most exciting young talents at a stage of his career when he has not even come close to realising his full potential.
Having turned down offers from Brighton in each of the last two transfer windows, the Sunderland hierarchy made renewed attempts to persuade Watson to sign a new deal at the start of this year. However, both the winger and his representatives were adamant that he would not be signing another contract with the Black Cats.
“We have to accept the situation,” said Le Bris. “The timing is not ideal but at the same time, we know that Tommy has had many offers from Premier League clubs before. We declined and tried to renew his contract, but it wasn't possible in the end.
“So, it’s his decision and we have to move on. I hope it's a positive outcome for the club financially at least and for our future.
“Every player is different and the environment at Sunderland is, I think, very positive for the development of young players. They can get minutes, the club trusts young players.
“At the same time, everyone is different. Tommy had just over one year left on his contract so everyone had to make a decision. His decision is his decision, and we have to accept it.
“Other players made different choices, but Tommy has made this one. They are all different and we just have to accept this. Whether it is good or bad we will have to see, that is life. At least now it is known, and we can move on.”
